Описание: John Clarke has travelled widely in the area and his fascinating text discusses the connection of jewellery to religion and folk beliefs and its rich and many-layered symbolism. Drawing together historical texts and the oral traditions of living craftsmen, he gives a picture of how goldsmiths and jewellers operated in the past and today, and how jewellery was worn then and now. The vibrant combination of gold and silver with turquoise, coral, amber and pearls has an extraordinary visual impact and is valued as much for its religious and talismanic associations as for adornment. This beautifully illustrated book contains newly commissioned photography and draws on the finest examples from the V&A and other British collections, both public and private. It brings into the spotlight one of the richest decorative traditions of the world, and one increasingly appreciated and emulated in the west. Its attractive, accessible format will ensure its appeal to a wide range of markets, from fashion and travel to collecting and design.

Описание: Elaborately, gilded masks worn by dancers performing in the popular Ramayana dance drama are an enduring symbol of Thai culture. Since their introduction
in the late eighteenth century, many hundreds of thousands of masks have been produced by skilled craftsmen. Less well-known as an art form, the history of Thai puppetry dates back
to the 17th century Ayutthaya when large, metre-high puppets were used to relate popular folk tales.

Today practitioners of this art form are becoming scarce, as are the finely
crafted puppets themselves.

Описание: In the Mexican states of Puebla and Veracruz, old masked dances have survived in isolated mountain regions. These dances include wonderful masks of humans and animals, masks with beautiful, comic, or wicked faces. Created by Indigenous master carvers, mascareros, these masks and puppets appear during religious fiestas. Over 700 vivid color photos reveal these masks and puppets in all their glory. The thoroughly researched text answers the questions about who made these beautiful works of art, who these dance characters are, and the nature of the religion they represent. The Spanish conquerors strove to convert the Indian inhabitants of Mexico to Christianity. However, these converts secretly retained important deities from earlier times to accompany Christian elements, creating a poetic blend of beliefs. Given that these indigenous peoples have suffered many injustices, the masks, puppets, and dance dramas reflect many unresolved societal tensions along with veiled wishes for divine justice.

Описание: Covering images of African masks alongside contemporary African art, this book offers look at the role of the mask in African culture. Based on an exhibition of 180 masks - more than 100 from the collection at the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren, Belgium - it offers a fresh interpretation of the mask as the universal object.

Описание: Contained in this book are over 150 images of African masks from the world`s leading museums and private collections. Originating from more than thirty countries, the masks featured here are shown in full-page reproductions and accompanied by field photographs.

Описание: Venetian masks are a centuries-old tradition of Venice, Italy. Worn during the Carnevale (the Carnival of Venice, elsewhere known as Mardi Gras), the masks have been used on many other occasions as a device for hiding the wearer`s identity and social status. This title examines the history and beauty of these masks.